Parvovirus IgM antibodies (slapped, cheek)

Microbiology

Notes

• Recently renamed as Erythrovirus
• Parvovirus is the cause of slapped cheek syndrome (also known as fifth disease and erythema infectiosum)
• Parvovirus is well recognised as a cause of polyhydramnios and hydrops fetalis
• Parvovirus will be tested on maternal blood samples in cases of interuterine death
• Parvovirus nucleic acid detection assays (e.g. PCR) can be performed on serum and EDTA blood samples and amniotic fluid. Please discuss with the laboratory.
• This test is part of the following viral screen sets:
  • Joints screen
  • Rash screen
  • TORCH screen

Sample requirements

Serum - paired samples normally required

8.5ml of blood taken into a plain gel tube

Required information

• Relevant clinical details
• Date of onset
• Pregnancy including gestational age
• Please state if employed in ante-natal care e.g. midwife

Storage/transport

Store at fridge temperature

Transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature

Turnaround time

7 - 10 days